Uzbekistan

Latest update

This Advice was last issued on Wednesday, 20 May 2015.
This advice has been reviewed and updated. The level of this advice has not changed, we continue to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Uzbekistan.

Summary

You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new security risks.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Uzbekistan. Attacks could be directed against a range of targets, including locations known to be frequented by foreigners.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to regions bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, including Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley. The security situation in these areas can be volatile, and there is a risk from unmarked landmines.

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Uzbekistan. The Australian Embassy in Russia provides consular assistance to Australians in Uzbekistan.

Entry and exit

Australian citizens are required to obtain a visa for Uzbekistan prior to arrival. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Uzbekistan for the most up-to-date information. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Singapore can provide assistance and can be contacted on (+65) 6734 3942 or by email at info@uzbekistan.org.sg. Visa and travel information is available on their website.

Uzbek visas specify validity, number of entries allowed, and the duration of stay. For example, you may be granted a multiple entry visa with a validity of three months and a seven day limit on the duration of your stay. You are only allowed to stay in the country for the number of days specified under the ‘duration of stay’ section on the visa.

All visitors intending to stay for three or more days are required to register with local authorities. If you are staying in private accommodation, you should register at the local Passports and Visa Office (OVIR or UVIR). This should be done in each city in which you intend to stay three days or longer. Most hotels undertake registration on behalf of guests, however it is your responsibility to ensure hotel staff have done so in a timely manner.

Currency import and export (of the same amount) is allowed. You need to complete two customs declaration forms on arrival, one of which will be retained by customs on arrival, and the other needs to be kept with your travel documents, updated, and presented to the customs officers on departure.

Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia, such as sleeping tablets or medication containing codeine, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan for advice. Carry copies of your prescription, a letter from your physician, and declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. If not declared, or if the quantity held exceeds legal limits, possession of such items, even with a doctor’s prescription, could lead to administrative or even criminal charges. See also our prescription medication page.

Uzbekistan’s borders with neighbouring countries may be subject to closure without notice. Check with local authorities in advance, which border crossings are open and if they are available for Australian nationals to pass through. Some border crossings may only be open to local residents.

Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Safety and security

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Uzbekistan. Attacks could be directed against a range of targets, including locations known to be frequented by foreigners.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, embassies and other diplomatic interests, schools, markets, shopping centres, places of worship, public transport, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and large public gatherings. Uzbek government buildings and western government and commercial interests are also possible targets.

Civil unrest/political tension

You should avoid any large public gatherings or political demonstrations as they may turn violent.

We recommend that you reconsider your need to travel to the following areas:

Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley: Demonstrations occur and have the potential to turn violent. If you are travelling to the Ferghana Valley, monitor developments as the security situation may deteriorate without notice.

Regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic: The security situation in these border regions is volatile. In the past, there has been sporadic armed conflict in rural areas in the east of Uzbekistan between extremist or criminal groups and government forces. Tensions over the recognition of the border with the Kyrgyz Republic have resulted in clashes between security forces. There are also unmarked landmines in these areas. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to these border regions, monitor developments as the security situation may deteriorate without notice.

Regions bordering Afghanistan: The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. There are landmines in the border region between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Crime

Petty crime targeting foreign travellers has been reported. Travellers have been robbed when using unofficial taxis and travelling on trains, particularly on overnight rail services.

There have been reports of travellers being robbed by individuals posing as police officers. There have also been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police or other local officials.

Avoid obvious displays of wealth, particularly in rural areas. Crime levels are higher at night and you should avoid walking alone.

Money and valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers cheques are not accepted in many countries including in Uzbekistan. Consult with your bank to find out whether your ATM card will work in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is predominantly a cash economy. You should exchange any unspent local currency prior to departure as there is no exchange office at the international airport. The Uzbek Som is not freely convertible. Exchanging the Som back into foreign currency can be difficult particularly if you do not retain receipts from the initial exchange into Som.

Local travel

Land borders between Uzbekistan and neighbouring states are often closed at short notice. If travelling by road you should check in advance whether the borders are open.

Road conditions and driving standards are poor. Rural roads are particularly treacherous, including in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains. Driving at night is dangerous because the roads are unlit and vehicles share the roads with livestock and animal drawn carts. Security checkpoints are common. Access to service stations can be limited in rural areas. Landmines are present near the border with Tajikistan. For further advice, see our road travel page.

Drivers are charged a fee to bring motor vehicles into Uzbekistan. Payment is collected at border crossings and varies according to the length of stay. Travel to Termez on the Afghan border and areas of Surkhandarya in the south-east require an official permit.

Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to criminal activity.

Requests from police to produce proof of identity are frequent. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.

Airline safety

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See instead the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Uzbekistan.

Please also refer to our general air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

Laws

You are subject to the local laws of Uzbekistan, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards. If you’re arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Research laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences served in local jails. See our Drugs page.

Serious crimes, such as attempted murder, can attract long sentences.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Uzbekistan, and penalties may include prison sentences. Information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex travellers can be found on our LGBTI travellers page.

It is illegal to photograph government and military buildings, and also public transport infrastructure, including metro stations. This may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. You should check before taking photographs of government or security infrastructure.

Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia, such as sleeping tablets, or codeine containing medication, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. Travellers who do not declare restricted medications may be detained. See the Entry and exit section for more information.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Local customs

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin in mid-June 2015. During Ramadan, Australians travelling to countries with significant Muslim communities should take care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. In particular, people who are not fasting are advised to avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting. For more information see our Ramadan travel bulletin.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Uzbekistan. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.

Dual nationality

Uzbekistan does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Uzbek dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We advise you to travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Australian/Uzbek dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Uzbekistan. Local laws provide for penalties for citizens of Uzbekistan who serve in the military and security forces of foreign countries. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Uzbekistan before you travel.

Health

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.

Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. Travellers who do not declare restricted medications may be detained. See the Entry and exit section for more information.

Malaria is a risk in Uzunskiy, Sariassiskiy and Shurchinskiy districts (Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya provinces). We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and using insect repellent, wearing long, loose fitting light-coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas and are most active from spring to autumn.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, brucellosis, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.

We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water with intact seals, avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food, and unpasteurised dairy products. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Medical facilities are limited in Uzbekistan, with medicines and equipment often in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services, including for emergency care. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation would be necessary. Costs for a medical evacuation could be considerable.

Where to get help

Depending on the nature of your enquiry, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurance provider in the first instance. Your travel insurer should have a 24 hour emergency number.

If the matter relates to criminal issues, contact the local police. You should also obtain a police report when reporting a crime.

In an emergency, dial the following 24 hour emergency numbers from a mobile or landline:

In Tashkent: 101 for fire, 102 for police, 103 for Medical Emergencies, 1050 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

In all other regions: 01 for fire, 02 for police, 03 for Medical Emergencies, 050 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government can and cannot do to assist Australians overseas. Australia does not have an embassy in Uzbekistan. You can contact the Australian Government at the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular assistance. See contact details below:

Australian Embassy, Moscow

See the Embassy website for information about opening hours and temporary closures that may affect service provision.

If you are travelling to Uzbekistan, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

Additional information

Natural disasters, severe weather and climate

Uzbekistan is located in an active earthquake zone. See our Earthquakes page for advice on travelling to and living in an earthquake-prone region.

Additional Resources

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While every care has been taken in preparing this information, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein.

Maps are presented for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographic feature. Nomenclature and territorial boundaries may not necessarily reflect Australian Government policy.